Menu

Forbidden Love in A FROZEN FLOWER

Zo In-Sung (Hong ) & Song Ji Hyo (Queen) had sizzling scenes. A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

Beloved, you’re my inspiration, my Korean beauty.

Written by

Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

The first night they were together she was nearly in tears. Hong (Zo In-Sung) tried kissing her but Queen Yuan (Song Ji-hyo) would turn away silently whimpering. Hong relented and went away. King Gongmin (Joo Jin-mo) urged them both to try to conceive a child. On the second time Hong forced himself, it was quick and painful for her.

Zo In-Sung (Hong ) & Song Ji Hyo (Queen) had sizzling scenes. A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

The third night Hong tried a different tactic kissing her extremities; even she was surprised at the sensation and pleasure that she felt. He began to notice her smooth skin, soft hands and feet. She became more receptive.

Zo In-Sung (Hong ) & Song Ji Hyo (Queen) had sizzling scenes. A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

Their lovemaking became more intense at the same time intimate that their moans spilled out of the room. Hearing them the King began to walk toward the sliding door, which he opened slightly ajar and watched them.

Joo Jin-mo (King) watches the passion burn between Hong & the Queen. A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean film festival last 2010 at the Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall. The story is loosely based on a real historical figure in Korea named King Gongmin in the tail end of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Feudal times were very chaotic; there were forces eager to gain the throne. Sometimes neighboring kingdoms such as Japan seek to invade their territory. The life of the King is in constant danger. So even in adolescence King Gongmin realizes this and organizes an elite unit of warriors loyal only to him. He chooses boys from as young as 10 years old so he is able to mold their hearts and minds as well as their skills in battle. This special battalion is called Kunryongwe.

Center-Shim Ji-ho (Seung-gi) leads the Kunryongwe. A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

The kids learn the best techniques in warfare and weaponry. Among these he tests and chooses who among them is the most skilled and above all the most loyal. Gongmin chooses Hong, they learn nearly everything together, the Korean zither- a string instrument called gayageum, archery, even calligraphy. They practically grow up together. The relationship between King Gongmin and Hong become so close that they become lovers. Some scholars dispute the veracity of the real historical Gongmin’s homosexuality depicted in this film. Others suggest there are accounts that the Kunryongwe were not only skilled warriors but were also handsome men.

The Emperor will strip King Gongmin of his right to rule if he does not have an heir soon. A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

Korea then was divided into several kingdoms. Gongmin was a King of Goryeon but had the rank of a crown prince. This is because Goryeon is subjugated by an Emperor who married his daughter Princess Yuan to Gongmin. After a year of their marriage, the couple was still childless. There was enormous pressure from the Emperor on Gongmin and Queen Yuan to have an heir. As punishment for this his kingdom would be forfeited to another Lord, if they were not to bear a child soon. This was when he thought of urging Hong to conceive a child with the Queen. Who else can he trust with this task than his own lover?

from left: Zo In-Sung (Hong ), Joo Jin-mo (King), Song Ji Hyo (Queen) and Shim Ji-ho (Seung-gi). A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

Zo In-Sung as Chief Hong Lim; A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

Cast

Zo In-Sung as the Chief Hong Lim of the Kunryongwe does have the dashing looks of a young Korean film star. He is as physically imposing as one can expect in these days of androgyny in their movie industry. He is known more for his TV work than film, which may garner him even greater name recognition internationally with the popularity of Koreanovellas. Whatever weakness in Zo’s performance was made up for with the sizzling chemistry that he had with Song Ji Hyo who plays Queen Yuan. She earned the Most Popular Actress in a Film award for FROZEN FLOWER.

Song Ji Hyo as Queen Yuan; A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

from right: Joo Jin-mo (King) & Zo In-Sung (Hong). A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

It’s the intensity, however, of Joo Jin-mo as King Gongmin that has gained a lot of acclaim. One particularly difficult portion was a very torrid kissing scene with his male co-star and lover Zo. They were both convincing with the passionate male-to-male French kiss but Joo had the added burden of truly being in love.

from right: Joo Jin-mo (King) & Zo In-Sung (Hong). A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

While being much older it is Joo who ranked fourth in CNNGo’s “South Korea’s Top 20 Hottest Male Celebs”. He also earned his very first Best Actor award at the 45th BaekSang Arts Awards. He was also one of the lead stars in MUSA one of the most epic Korean films ever made which included Zhang Zhi Yi.

Joo Jin-mo (King); A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

Zo In-Sung as Chief Hong Lim; A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

The architecture and landscape of the era is nothing short of breathtaking. Recreating the grand palaces, temples and royal courts was a huge challenge that they were able to achieve. The elaborate and colorful costumes also enhance the authenticity. You can see every cent of the huge budget on screen, which was worth it since it was one of the top earning films of the year. The Production Design category in the Oscars and other countries falls under Art direction in Korea. No surprise it earned Best Art Design 46th Daejong Film Awards.

Production Design was impressive. A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

All of these elements contribute in telling a very moving and touching story both written and directed by Yu Ha (who is also a published poet). Beyond the intense and explicit sex scenes we learn that to love and be loved is a great privilege even for a king.

From left: Song Ji Hyo (Queen), Joo Jin-mo (King) and Zo In-Sung (Hong). A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

Zo In-Sung (Hong ) & Song Ji Hyo (Queen) had sizzling scenes. A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

Zo In-Sung as Chief Hong Lim; A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).Zo In-Sung as Chief Hong Lim; A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

Song Ji Hyo as Queen Yuan; A FROZEN FLOWER was part of the Korean Film fest held in Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall (2010).

Jude Thaddeus Bautista

I'm a professional writer and photographer for over a decade. The subjects that I cover vary from entertainment to film, music, travel, lifestyle and even sports. Stories and pictures can come from anywhere, this is my way of sharing them with you.

Yes we have to do something while there's still time renxkyoko. We must tell our kababayan, through our blogs, social media why its wrong to vote for him, using reason, logic, common sense. Thank you for your comment.

Thank you so much for commenting renxkyoko ! I'm shocked, afraid and horrifed too with the prospect of him being our president that's why i thought of writing this article. what's unbelievable to me is the fact that NO ONE's calling him out on his lies. SO many people are now afraid to speak out against him. THIS IS SO scary. do you have […]

[…] for granted, not just by the youth but Filipinos in general. That’s why yearly events such as the PASINAYA where these activities come together are so important. Include Cinemalaya, Cinema One, Virgin […]

[…] for granted, not just by the youth but Filipinos in general. That’s why yearly events such as the PASINAYA where these activities come together are so important. Include Cinemalaya, Cinema One, Virgin […]

Our Lost Culture in 3 Stars And A Sun | Photos & Text by Jude Bautista

[…] for granted, not just by the youth but Filipinos in general. That’s why yearly events such as the PASINAYA where these activities come together are so important. Include Cinemalaya, Cinema One, Virgin […]

[…] for granted, not just by the youth but Filipinos in general. That’s why yearly events such as the PASINAYA where these activities come together are so important. Include Cinemalaya, Cinema One, Virgin […]

Our Lost Culture in 3 Stars And A Sun | Text and Photos by Jude Bautista